Massachusetts Pesticide Bills Hearing – Preemption Repeal Bill Doesn’t Advance

NPMA, NEPMA, and NEPMA SPARs and leadership met with key lawmakers and submitted written testimony for a November 12th hearing in Massachusetts that considered a pesticide preemption repeal, a bill restricting neonics to professionals only, a bill banning neonics, a bill banning pesticide applications at schools, a bill banning pesticide applications within 150 feet of a school, and several others. NEPMA put in a lot of hard work and the only bill that was on our radar that moved out of committee was H. 763, a neonicotinoid ban that exempts certified applicators. The top priority for our industry is the bill aiming to repeal pesticide preemption (H.776/ S 447), as this would’ve allowed local governments in Massachusetts to regulate pesticides. We are pleased that the pesticide preemption repeal, and others did not advance. Excellent news and hats off to NEPMA, Ted Brayton, Bill Siegel, and Galvin Murphy, Jr.!